Erling Haaland delivered Manchester City the ultimate game-winning moment on Sunday against Liverpool at Anfield, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory that kept Arsenal’s six-point lead atop the Premier League in check. It was a nail-biting finish with City needing to win for their title chances to remain alive, and their first away success to Liverpool since 2003.
Before the match, Manchester City’s captain Bernardo Silva emphasized the stakes: “We knew we needed it if Arsenal won.”
Haaland put the game-winning penalty in place from the spot just before six minutes of added time. Moments later, his fellow striker, Bernardo Silva, restored balance with a deft pass that evaded Liverpool’s defense and set him up for an equalizer.
However, the drama had only just begun as City was again undone when Dominik Szoboszlai’s audacious free-kick found the back of the net. The winger then earned himself a red card through a VAR review in what proved to be his last game of the season with Liverpool.
Victory for Manchester City marked their first away win since 2003 and provided further pressure on Arsenal, who remain top by six points despite their loss.
Manchester City’s victory was the culmination of hard-earned resilience from their team, which had struggled in the second half. The match saw a late surge with Silva scoring his side’s only goal.
The match became personal for Marc Guehi after he received criticism over his move to Liverpool. He earned a yellow card as he tangled with Salah and faced an angry crowd during the second period.
Despite City’s triumph, Liverpool couldn’t escape their struggles in the final minutes when Szoboszlai scored again—this time from a spectacular free-kick reminiscent of past performances.
The drama culminated in a penalty that Haaland delivered with precision to secure City’s win. Alisson’s error allowed for an open goal, but his reaction was slow as Haaland calmly stepped up to take the spot kick and put Manchester City ahead.
However, Szoboszlai’s challenge at the final whistle sent him off the pitch, further diminishing Liverpool’s chances.
Manchester City’s hard-fought victory marked a pivotal moment in their title chase, while for Liverpool, it was another reminder of their struggles this season—a run that has already seen them miss out on Champions League football for two consecutive seasons.
Haaland’s performance continued to be underwhelming with just one goal from open play in his last 13 games. Meanwhile, the pressure of Arsenal’s pursuit loomed large over both teams as they look to end a long wait for Premier League titles.